You may return books in the South book drop (24 hours). Due to damage, we request that you do not return DVD's in the book drop. You may be charged $3.00 for items returned in the book drop. Items returned before the library opens will be recorded as returned the previous workday.

Indoor book and audiovisual returns: All library materials can be returned here during our open hours. Please sort out audiovisual materials and place in the one designated return.

Circulation Desk: All items may also be returned to staff at the Circulation Desk.

Bellwood Materials Returned at Other Libraries

Bellwood Public Library materials may be returned to other public libraries who are reciprocal partners. Items are considered returned on the date the materials are received at the reciprocating library. The patron, not the library, is responsible for the condition in which the items are received and for any items which are not delivered to the Bellwood Public Library.

Non-Bellwood Public Library Materials Returned at the Bellwood Public Library

Materials belonging to other libraries may be returned to the Bellwood Public Library for routing to the owning library if that library is a reciprocal partner. Fines for overdue items may be paid to the Bellwood Public Library if the owning library has agreed to such an arrangement.

The Bellwood Public Library does not accept any responsibility for the condition of the item, for failure of the item to reach its home destination, or for any additional fees assessed by the owning library.

Interlibrary Loan items Checked out at the Bellwood Public Libary

Patrons are responsible for any fees associated with damaged Inter-library loan items. You will be subject to the fees imposed by the owning library, usually the cost of the item plus a processing fee.

Many local museums allow you to use your library card to receive admission or a special discount.

Here’s how you can check out a Museum Adventure Pass at Bellwood Library with your Bellwood Library card:

Visit Bellwood library to find out current pass availability. Library staff will be able to tell you what is available.

Check out a Museum Adventure Pass using your library card at your home library. Libraries have a limited number of passes for each participating organization, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Passes cannot be reserved or checked out online or on the phone.

One Museum Adventure Pass may be checked out per person, per loan period. The loan period is SEVEN DAYS, and will expire after the date printed on the pass.

Admission offers vary per museum. For some, two or four people may be admitted free per pass, or by carload. If admission normally is free, another special discount will be offered.

Passes are for one-time use and are not transferable. Your name will be printed on the pass, and you may be asked to show identification at the museum. The museum will collect the pass when you visit.

Our book bag service is available to supplement and enhance your classroom curriculum.

When requesting a book bag for the first time, Bellwood Library will assign you a book bag library card number. Actual cards are not issued, but your number will be stored in our database. It is necessary to renew your book bag application annually.

All book bag requests should be made at least one week in advance.

Please be sure to be specific when requesting the topic of your book bag.

Requests can be made by calling the Youth Services Department at(708)547-7393 X 216, or email Jill Eisele, Assistant Head of Youth Services, at eiselej@bellwoodlibrary.org

How do I Reserve an Item?

If the item you want is checked out, it may be reserved for you by contacting a staff member at the Adult or Youth Services desks, or by requesting the item on the RAILS Online catalog at My Account When the item becomes available, you will be contacted. Contact may be made by phone or email, as you prefer.

There is generally no fee for this service. If there is one, you will be contacted for permission, prior to us obtaining the materials.

Loan periods,usage restrictions and renewal options are at the discretion of the lending library.

The Interlibrary Loan process varies for materials to arrive. Materials that are being borrowed from outside Illinois may take up to one week or longer to arrive. It is not unusual for materials to take several weeks when coming from other states. Bellwood Library cannot guarantee the availability of materials or how quickly they will arrive.

Important: Please be aware tht the person whose library card was used to reserve materials is the one who may pick them up.

Residents of Bellwood may obtain a library card in person at the Circulation Desk. The following instructions will explain how to apply for and renew your Bellwood Library Card. You accept full responsibility for all materials checked out on your library card and for all charges associated with its use, therefore you should report lost library cards immediately. Parents or legal gardians may apply for cards for their children under age 18. Lost cards may be replaced for a $3.00 fee in addition to meeting the conditions below.

To obtain or replace a card, you must provide the following information:

Two (2) forms of current identification, one from Group A (must be a picture ID) and one from Group B are required. ALL ID MUST HAVE YOUR NAME AND CURRENT BELLWOOD ADDRESS. Many different forms of identification may be acceptable and we consider recent to be within the last 3 months of application. Some examples of acceptable identification are listed below.

Group A – To Establish ID

Drivers License

State I.D.

Current School ID

Group B - to Verify Residency:

Recent Utility Bill

Current Tax Bill

Mortgage Papers/Rental Lease

Voters Registration Card

Credit Card Statements

Pay Stub with Current Address

Postmarked Magazine

Car Registration

Insurance Bills

Envelope with a postal change of address label

Group C – Minor Children

Child’s Birth Certificate

Public Aid or Medical Card

Report Card

Group A – To Establish ID

Drivers License

State I.D.

Current School ID

Group B - to Verify Residency:

Recent Utility Bill

Current Tax Bill

Mortgage Papers/Rental Lease

Voters Registration Card

Credit Card Statements

Pay Stub with Current Address

Postmarked Magazine

Car Registration

Insurance Bills

Envelope with a postal change of address label

Group C – Minor Children

Child’s Birth Certificate

Public Aid or Medical Card

Report Card

You will be requested to complete a library card application that request for such information as your name, address, and phone number. Please be aware that all information provided to the library is kept confidential. If you wish, you may check out materials at the time of registration. Parents or legal guardians must present proof of residency as above and sign application card assuming responsibility for materials lent to patrons under the age of 18. The parent or guardian must accompany the child when applying for a library card.

Cards expire in three years. For renewal, patrons must present proof of residence in Bellwood as stated above and card must be free of fines and overdues. Your library card may be used at most public libraires withing the state of Illinois. If you lose your card, please notify the library immediately so you will not be held responsible for fines and charges on the card if someone else uses it.

Must I have my Library Card with me at Checkout-out?

Yes, for your protection we require all patrons to present their card at checkout. We do not accept personal identification for check-outs.